Libraries as Social Hubs

Libraries as Social Hubs
By Jennifer Miranda 

When people think of libraries, they associate it as a place to obtain books.  However, with the ever changing times there are a lot more than books at a library.  A library of today is a social hub that offers ways to connect with others in the community.  It also provides educational tools with reliable resources to obtain knowledge.  Libraries offer programs to serve their demographic location for pleasure and potential employment opportunities.  Examples of what you may find in a social hub library are programs for adults such as book clubs, movie night, cooking classes, or helping with technology.  For youth they may offer read aloud programs for young children, chess, or Legos.   There are usually computers accessible in adult and youth areas of the library.  There is free Wi-Fi access and many libraries’ Wi-Fi can be accessed in their parking lots.

 Social hub library’s do not expect their patrons to be quiet because of the activities offered. They want people to engage with others, especially when they are participating in interactive programs. Libraries continue to evolve, which includes promoting an energetic environment and the inclusion of community social events.  In The Washington Post, article “Go ahead, make some noise: Libraries should be loud” it discusses that libraries are more comparable to a community hub and that the new normal is socializing amongst the patrons.  The article states that libraries are offering story time for toddlers because studies have shown that cognitive learning occurs much earlier than initially thought.  This event is a time when a caregiver and child can interact with others in the group (MacPherson).

Some libraries help with homework after school, which coincides with most of the youth events.  Libraries are a safe environment for young people to spend time after school. The article states that there is research showing that children learn by participating in hands-on events such as crafts, board games or Legos.  While the programs are occurring, it would be difficult to have the children be quiet, nor would it be fun (MacPherson).  The programs also help children improve their social interaction and cognitive thought skills. 

The article asserts that libraries still have specific areas to be quiet and study rooms that can be reserved.  In addition, there are times when the children and youth programs are not occurring when the library is much more tranquil.  However, some patrons do not like the new loud library environment, but the quiet library atmosphere is becoming a thing of the past.  One librarian said, “When she visits a library, and it is quite it makes her sad.”  She wants to see a library where conversation is occurring between parents and children demonstrating that they are actively engaged (MacPherson). 

After the pandemic in 2020 (now four years ago) I feel that the world has grown intellectually, and we now understand the value of social interaction.  When a person cannot socialize, they feel lonely and isolated which can lead to depression.  According to the Pew Research Center there was a survey on American’s struggles during the pandemic. The study showed that one of the biggest issues for people was not being able to have any social interaction with their extended family and friends (Van Kessel).  Humans are social creatures and need a place where they feel comfortable and can interact with other people.  For many that special place is the library.  The library is a socially and culturally diverse institution that welcomes all walks of life.  You have the opportunity to participate in social events and be a part of the library’s larger community hub.

References

MacPherson, Karen. "Go ahead, make some noise: Libraries should be loud." The Washington Post, May 14, 2023. ProQuest, https://login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?auth=shibboleth&url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/go-ahead-make-some-noise-libraries-should-be-loud/docview/2813090514/se-2?accountid=35685.

 Van Kessel, Patrick .Chris Baronavski, Alissa Scheller and Aaron Smith. “In Their Own Words, Americans Describe the Struggles and Silver Linings of the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Pew Research Center, 5 Mar. 2021, www.pewresearch.org/data-labs/2021/03/05/in-their-own-words-americans-describe-the-struggles-and-silver-linings-of-the-covid-19-pandemic/.